Press Releases

Kristine Svinicki is one of the most well-qualified people to ever serve on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Her depth of knowledge on all aspects of U.S. nuclear activities makes her indispensable to the commission.

With the financial difficulties local governments and private entities are facing, there is a need to assist them in finding grants and other solutions to build stronger communities. Matt will spearhead this new service offered by my office and help Idahoans in becoming aware of and better competing for these funding opportunities.

I've heard from countless Idahoans about this important issue. As a rancher, I understand the challenges they face training the next generation of farmers and ranchers while also trying to make a living. These rules are impractical, unneeded and threaten an essential part of our Idaho economy. I am committed to seeing they do not take effect.

I am very pleased to have Melinda Smyser join my staff as the regional director for southwestern Idaho. Her experience as a state senator and the passion she brings in serving constituents is a great benefit to the citizens of the region. She brings over thirty years of experience as an educator, school board member, counselor and state senator from Canyon County and a great understanding of the issues.

Unfortunately, this case is not unique, but the Sackett's win today is very encouraging. There is cause for concern when enforcement becomes an end unto itself and ignores the impacts that arbitrary, heavy-handed federal enforcement can have on the lives of people and their communities. Today's ruling means the EPA will not be able to use the Clean Water Act to strong-arm individuals and communities into compliance with its orders without the opportunity for judicial review.

We have heard from many in the Idaho agricultural community saying they are having great difficulty with the temporary visa application process. The lack of temporary workers severely impacts their ability to get their products to the market.

While I would have preferred a longer term fix to provide more certainty to the entities that rely on this funding, this does provide a remedy for now. Until the timber revenues from our National Forests increase and refill the 25-percent fund, the federal government must maintain this lifeline to our rural schools and counties.

It would be nice to say these are unusual stories, but those of us who represent western states hear these things every single day. Where is the common sense? It is absolutely gone.

We do not want federal regulations in Idaho that will limit our milk and dairy consumption in schools.

The president has once again failed to acknowledge the seriousness of our more than $15 trillion debt. Instead of presenting a responsible budget that cuts spending, pays down the debt and enacts serious reforms, he has put forward a plan for more spending, more taxes and more debt. The fact that this budget once again spends $1 trillion more than the federal government takes in demonstrates the president does not care about the fiscal burden he is placing on our children and grandchildren by kicking the can down the road.